Crunchy salad with sesame-ginger chicken and peanut dressing
Asian Chicken Salad Bowls
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
0 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2
2 bowls
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Asian Chicken Salad Bowls
Crunchy salad with sesame-ginger chicken and peanut dressing
★4.7(18)
Crispy cabbage, shredded chicken, mandarin oranges, and crunchy almonds tossed in a sesame-ginger peanut dressing. A restaurant-quality salad bowl at home.
15m
Prep Time
0m
Cook Time
15m
Total Time
2
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This Asian chicken salad bowl is all about the crunch and the dressing. Shredded cabbage stays crisp under the flavorful chicken, while the peanut-sesame dressing brings everything together.
Asian cuisine encompasses an incredible diversity of techniques and flavors. This recipe draws on time-tested methods to create something truly delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 3 cups shredded napa cabbage
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
- 2 tbsp peanut butter mixed with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- 1
Shred cabbage finely and divide between two large bowls.
- 2
Top with shredded chicken, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, and green onions.
- 3
Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a drizzle of honey until smooth.
- 4
Thin dressing with warm water until pourable, then drizzle generously over each bowl.
- 5
Toss gently just before eating and garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Substitutions
Peanut butterTahini or sunflower seed butter
Nut-free alternatives with similar creaminess
Napa cabbageGreen cabbage or romaine
Different crunch levels and flavors
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Massage the cabbage with a pinch of salt for a minute to soften it slightly while keeping the crunch.
Keep dressing on the side until ready to eat for the crunchiest meal prep bowls.
Dry your greens thoroughly — water on the leaves dilutes the dressing and makes everything soggy.
Dress your salad just before serving. Pre-dressed salads wilt quickly, especially delicate greens.
Storage
Refrigerate components separately for up to 4 days; dress just before eating.
Reheating
Salads are best enjoyed fresh and do not require reheating. If you have leftover dressed salad, it may be slightly wilted but still edible within a few hours.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (70mg) · 2 servings
Calories340
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein30g
Carbohydrates14g
Fat22g
Fiber520mg
Sugar4g
Sodium12g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this nut-free?
- Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and swap almonds for sunflower seeds.
- What chicken is best?
- Rotisserie chicken is the fastest option; grilled chicken adds smoky flavor.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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